Author Nicholas A. Basbanes discusses the remarkable relationship of the celebrated 19th-century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his wife, Frances Appleton Longfellow, the focus of his recent biography of the couple, Cross of Snow, which is set largely in Boston and Cambridge during the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War. The couple’s marriage in 1843 represented a melding of two highly gifted and principled people whose shared values and deeply held convictions found expression and purpose in manifold ways, not least of which was the influence Fanny brought to bear on Henry’s creative process, serving, in her words, as “a pretty active spur upon his Pegasus.” Revered in his time as a “poet of the people,” Longfellow’s works were translated into more than 30 languages, memorized by millions of people, with lines that resonate to this day.
Henry and Fanny Longfellow: An American Love Story of Uncommon Consequence
With Nicholas A. Basbanes
National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholar
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Upcoming Featured Events
Live on Zoom
Been There, Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome
Join us on Zoom on June 23 at 7pm for a conversation with Greg Jackson about how our current political climate isn’t as unprecedented as we may think.
Live on Zoom
Been There, Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome
In his new book, Been There, Done That, Professor Greg Jackson argues that while today’s political climate may be dark, these aren’t as unprecedented times as we may think. Our nation’s past is full of massive upheaval, disagreement, and departures from the moral high ground. The political “gentlemanly conduct” of yesteryear is no more than a myth. But that reality never allowed our worst historical selves to defeat our better angels.
Special Event
July 4th at Old North
Join us for our annual Independence Day celebration featuring live 18th century music, dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence, and tours of the crypt and bell ringing chamber.
Special Event
July 4th at Old North
Join us for our annual Independence Day celebration! Throughout the day, there will be dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence in the sanctuary, complete with booing and hissing at the mention of the king.
In our courtyard, the delightful musical duo Tripp and Toddy will entertain visitors with period music and stage a “duel to the death.” We will also offer guided tours of Old North’s crypt, where 1,100 people are laid to rest, and bell ringing chamber, where Paul Revere rang bells as a teenager.
Worship service
Worship on Sunday
Join us for Sunday services at 11am. For over 300 years, we have drawn people from every background and denomination. Whether you are visiting Boston briefly or seeking a permanent spiritual home, know we are delighted to welcome you to Old North Church.
Worship service
Sunday Services
Our Sunday services follow the liturgies in the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer, supplemented by a rich array of resources from across our Anglican tradition, especially the Church of England and the Anglican Church of Canada, as well as our Lutheran full communion partners.
Most Sundays we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, also called Holy Communion or the Mass. Choral Matins (traditional Anglican Morning Prayer) is offered several times a year. Lessons & Carols are held in Advent and Epiphany.